Any success with OTC mouthpieces?

I am having a sleep study done in the next week to look for suspected UARS. I have noticed that I can "make" my throat collapse when I am laying down to simulate a RERA or apnea-like event. I have a mouthguard I use for Rugby and I stuck that in there to see if I can still "make" my throat collapse. I can but to a much lesser degree. I then took a butter knife and put it in the middle to press down on my tongue. This seemed to open my airway 100%! Of course, I can't sleep with a butter knife down my throat.

BUT - I am thinking maybe there is an OTC device that is a mouthpiece with a tongue suppressor that would work for me?

I'm looking at this because of all the reading I have done that says that a CPAP device hasn't helped many with UARS.

Thanks!

Hi cubbieblue, I was diagnosed with OSA about 3 months ago after a sleep study. I've been using a resmed autoset for about 2 months -on a hire/trial basis until I see the ENT. My sleep has improved greatly, and I feel so much better.
I saw the ENT this week. He said surgery wouldn't help me. But he recommended I try a 'boil and bite' mouthpiece to move my lower jaw forward and therefore help to stop the obstruction. Much cheaper than buying a CPAP machine, and if successful I could maybe look at getting my dentist to make me one. So . . . I purchased a "sleep pro" device, followed all the directions, used it 2 nights ago. I woke up at 5am and removed it, and my mouth felt very "out of whack" - my back teeth wouldn't touch, and it was at least 3 hours before I felt normal again. I had treatment for my jaw as a teenager, because it wasn't aligned properly, and I feel that if I continue to use this device it will make all those problems come back again. My hubby told me that I was snoring again too, which had completely stopped with the APAP. And the following day I felt very tired and washed out - I'd forgotten how bad I used to feel, so I was back to my machine last night and feel great today. And there is no way to monitor if/how many sleep interruptions you have. So, I don't think this is for me, and I'll be buying my own machine shortly
To answer your question, yes there are OTC devices available, but I would do lots of research first, and ask lots of questions. There are threads on this forum that deal with this question. Search 'MAD' or "dental appliance' and UARS, should get you started. Other peoples experiences from this forum can be invaluable.
This is the website for the device I tried: http://www.sleeppro.com.au/pages/sleep_pro1.html This may be only available here in Oz, but probably similar available elsewhere.
I'm not sure about how this would work with UARS, but that's my experience with an OTC device.
Hope you can get good diagnosis and good advice

Thanks! I am reluctant to blow $50 - 160 bucks on a mouthpiece that doesn't work. Quite frankly I am just tired of waiting and want some relief right now.

also, using this mouthpiece as a snoring solution is a compelling choice since it is non-invasive and easy to apply. My best advice for someone looking to use one of these mandibular splints is to try a more affordable over the counter mouthpiece before investing in an expensive one.